A: The primary purpose behind developing this technology was to improve accuracy and reduce the amount of time it takes operators to complete grading projects—ultimately, leading to a reduction of overall costs. This system differs from other Cat grading technologies because it is fully-integrated into the machine at the factory, in order to optimize performance with other machine features and remove the need for operators to remove gear at end of day. It also uses GPS technology to create a 3D grade plan with cut/fill data to help guide the operator and automated blade movements to achieve consistent, quality grades in fewer passes.

A: Cat GRADE with 3D is an extremely accurate technology, grading within an inch to an inch and a quarter of your target. It is also compatible with Cat GRADE with Slope Assist. When the two technologies are used together, accuracy can be enhanced even further.

Q: How does the technology track and maintain the right blade positioning?

A: There are two GNSS antennas on top of the cab and the machine uses a system of sensors, along with chassis kinematics to calculate the position of the blade. The antennas are mounted on the cab to eliminate masts and cables traditionally located on the blade. This keeps antennas protected, and saves time by eliminating the need for daily component installation/removal. Compared with single-antenna systems, the dual antenna design adjusts for steep slope work and machine direction changes to yield accurate grades on every pass.

Q: Why is a base station needed to operate 3D GPS systems?

A: GPS technology utilizes signals from the satellites in the sky to send to the machine. However, these signals alone do not provide the accuracy that is needed to grade to an expected target. Therefore, the base station is positioned at a known survey point on the jobsite, and sends additional correction signals to the machine in order provide the accuracy required for construction projects.

Q: Does this system replace the need for an experienced machine operator?

A: Definitely not. This system serves as an extension of a machine operator’s skills. For the advanced operator, it helps reduce fatigue and saves time by reducing manual inputs by up to 80 percent. For more novice operators, the system helps ensure grading accuracy and also notifies the operator if they are exceeding desired blade loads. This technology does eliminate the need for grade staking, which allows contractors to reduce costs and safety risks, as well as prevent cutting below the desired grade.

Q: Is it difficult to learn how to operate Cat GRADE with 3D?

A: This system was designed to be as user-friendly as possible, making the learning curve minimal for experienced, intermediate and novice operators. Additionally, Caterpillar has partnered with SITECH®, which serves as the Cat dealer support arm for all Cat GRADE technologies. They provide everything from on-site training to software support.

To learn more about the Cat GRADE with 3D and how it can benefit your business, contact your local Cat dealer.

We just answered some of the frequent questions we have received about Cat GRADE with 3D. But we’d like some additional feedback from you.

What are the biggest challenges you face with grading projects?

On average, how much time and cost do you incorporate into job bids for manual grading tasks, such as grade staking?

Have you ever considered equipping your machines(s) or purchasing a machine with grade control technology? If yes, what are the most important benefits to you?

Have you ever operated a machine with grade control technology or Cat GRADE with 3D, in particular? If so, what did you think?

I’m an Attachments Product Application & Sales Support Specialist for Caterpillar in North America. I have been with Caterpillar for five years including roles in the field as a dealer sales support representative and marketing support in the skid steer and small wheel loader product groups. I graduated from Iowa State University with degrees in Agricultural Business and Economics. Our goal is to provide a full portfolio of attachments for our customers to be more productive and versatile with their machines.

I am a Pre-Field Agriculture/Product Application Representative for Caterpillar. I recently graduated from North Carolina State University with a dual degree in Agriculture Business Management and Agriculture Science, concentrating in Leadership and Environmental Technologies. I focus primarily on the relationships between customers, dealers, and the product specialists for the Building Construction Products division. Growing up on a beef cattle farm, I have several years of machine operation experience and agricultural knowledge. Thomas Jefferson said it best in that, "Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness."

I’m a Compact Wheel Loader Product Application Specialist for Caterpillar in North America. I have 11 years of experience, including roles in the field as a dealer technical support representative, and as a distributor business model consultant. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree, and wanted a job where I didn't have to sit in front of a computer all day. This job allows me to get out and get my hands dirty, with the goal of providing solutions to customers’ machine needs.

I am a Marketing Communications Specialist for Caterpillar with over twelve years of experience marketing the Cat brand to customers in Latin and North America. My goal is to arm customers with the information needed to make well informed purchase decisions; to maximize the value of Cat machines by using an array of Cat Work Tool attachments; and to minimize the total cost of ownership by using Cat parts and Cat Dealer service.

I am an expert Operator and Application Specialist for Caterpillar concentrating on products used in the construction trades industry. I operate, evaluate and train on Cat machines and Work Tool Attachments worldwide. I have a Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Craftsman Certified and was named Apprentice of the Year 1981 at the University of East Anglia, UK.

I am the National Association Manager for Caterpillar and have responsibility for customer associations and partnerships in multiple industries for Caterpillar. I have 12 years of experience at Caterpillar, and have spent most of those years in the field with dealers and customers around North America. I have always had a passion for equipment and find myself fortunate to be able to work with dealers and customers almost every day.

I am a Product Application Specialist with 16 years of experience in the industry. As a Building Construction Products Global Trainer, I focus on training dealers and customers on machines, attachments and applications as it relates to the construction, agriculture and landscaping segments.

I have been with Caterpillar for more than eight years, working in various roles including a materials engineer, a filters product manager and my current position as a parts consultant. My job allows me the opportunity to work with Cat dealers and customers providing insight on how the use of quality filters and fluids results in better equipment performance and lower owning and operating costs.

I am a marketing and sales support professional for Caterpillar. In this role, I work with our marketing and customer service teams to support or dealers and customers, concentrating on our Small Wheel Loader, Skid Steer Loader, Mini Excavator and Dozer product groups. The exchange of ideas, information and opinions about equipment and how it’s used in various industries on forums such as this blog helps me fulfill my role at Caterpillar to the best of my ability.

I am the commercial/market consulting expert for all Caterpillar tires and rims with 14 years of experience. I provide guidance in the harsher work environments of mining and industrial/waste applications. Our goal is to turn our dealers and customers into knowledgeable and trusted resources with respect to tires and rims. Our group offers training, technical support and resources to develop a level of expertise within the Caterpillar value stream that is ordinarily reserved for tire companies and local tire service providers. Ultimately, we want to provide our customers with a total Cat solution from the ground up.

I am a Sales Support Manager for Cat Financial and have responsibility for ensuring that the right financial products are available to Cat customers who purchase, lease or rent to own. 8 of my 10 years with Caterpillar Financial have allowed customer and/or dealer interaction as part of my daily responsibilities including over 3.5 years as a Territory Manager. I take personal satisfaction in finding financial solutions that work for our customers and CAT dealers.

I’m a Telehandler Product Application Specialist for Caterpillar in North and South America. I have 13 years of experience, including roles in the field as a dealer service operations and technical support representative, and as a distributor business model consultant. My telehandler passion and focus is working with dealers and customers to maximize the versatility of the product through machine and operator training.

I am a Product and Application Specialist with over 35 years experience at Caterpillar. I focus on helping you to determine the best Cat machines, work tool attachments, and services for you to use in the building and general construction, landscaping, specialty trades, and agricultural industries.

Jeff Brown is a marketing professional for Caterpillar Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loaders. Over Jeff's 12 years in the industry, he has visited with and studied the needs of customers across landscaping, construction, and agriculture segments. Delivering innovative solutions that solve customer's problems is Jeff's main focus.

I am a North American Product and Application Specialist for Caterpillar. In this role, I have had the opportunity to represent Caterpillar at various trade shows and train customers on new Small Wheel Loader content. I graduated from Purdue University in 2001 with a Mechanical Engineering degree and have spent the past 15 years with Caterpillar in various engineering roles. Growing up in the Mid-West, I have always loved the cold and the unique activities winter enables. Unfortunately, I had to give those up when I moved to North Carolina. I don't care what people say, you never get used to a hot climate.

I am a Filter and Fluid Marketing Consultant with over 14 years experience working at Caterpillar. My focus is to ensure customers understand the importance of using superior filtration and lubrication products in their equipment.

I am a Sales Support Manager with over nine years of experience in a variety of roles with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in matching financial products and tailoring funding strategies to the specific needs of customers. This includes more than three years as a Territory Manager in Seattle partnered with N C Machinery, an authorized Cat dealer covering the states of Washington and Alaska.

Announcements

Welcome to the Construction Trades Online Community!

This online discussion forum is for construction and landscape professionals to raise issues, voice opinions, gain insight and share knowledge so we can all build on each other's expertise.